What habits should I keep up after my baby is born?

What habits should I keep up after my
baby is born?
Following healthy eating and physical activity hab-
its after your baby is born may help you return to a
healthy weight more quickly, provide you with good
nutrition (which you especially need if you are breast-
feeding), and give you the energy you need .You can
also be a good role model for your growing child . After
your baby is born:
•
Continue eating well . Eat a variety of foods from
all of the food groups . If you are not breastfeeding,
you will need about 300 fewer calories per day
than you did while you were pregnant .
•
If you are breastfeeding, you will need to eat
about 200 more calories per day than you did
while you were pregnant . Breastfeeding may
help you return to a healthy weight more easily
because it requires a great deal of energy . Breast-
feeding may also protect your baby from illnesses,
such as ear infections, colds, and allergies, and
may help lower your risk for breast and ovarian
cancer . If you had gestational diabetes, breast-
feeding for more than 3 months may help prevent
your baby from becoming overweight .
•
When you feel able and your health care provider
says it is safe, slowly get back to your routine of
regular, moderate-intensity physical activity . Wait
for 4 to 6 weeks after you have your baby to begindoing higher levels of physical activity . Doing
physical activity that is too hard, too soon after
delivery, can slow your healing process . Regular,
moderate-intensity physical activity will not affect
your milk supply if you are breastfeeding .
•
Return to a healthy weight gradually . Lose no
more than 1 pound per week through a sound
eating plan and regular physical activity after you
deliver your baby